Al-Kahf (The Cave)

7. “Verily We have appointed whatever is on the earth as an ornament for it, so that We may try them: which of them is best in conduct.”

8. “And (at the end) We will surely make whatever is on it (as) barren ground.”

The Arabic word /sa‘id/ has been applied for soil and whatever absolutely is on the ground. The Qur’anic holy term /juruz/ means ‘a land without any plant’.

Allah has settled the phrase /liyabluwakum/, which relates to the trial of people, between the term /ja‘alna/ (We have appointed) and the term /ja‘ilun/ (will surely make).

One of these two words relates to the prosperity of the earth and the other relates to its barrenness, to be a hint that people’s trial is located amongst prosperity, freshness, barrenness and sorrows. But, what is important in this course is the deed of man and his success.

It is narrated in a tradition that the purpose of the phrase /’ahsanu ‘amala/ (best in conduct) is a wisely action accompanied with piety which should have been reserved for Hereafter, too.¹

The apparent reason of disbelief of the infidels is often their neglectful entire attention to the beauties of the world.

The verse says:

“Verily We have appointed whatever is on the earth as an ornament for it…”

Whatever is found on the earth, such as: gardens, flowers, fruits, animals, water sources, mains, colours, and good smells are all ornaments for the earth. But, for the developed and pious people, Faith and piety are their main ornaments.

Ornaments are the means of trial in order to be determined who amongst people has been deluded and sells himself, and who, by means of continence and piety, uses these ornaments as a preparation for his righteous deeds.

Thus, the holy verse continues saying:

“…so that We may try them: which of them is best in conduct.”

This part of the verse is a warning to all humankind and to all Muslims that, in the course of this trial, they should not be deceived by some dazzling glares and the abundance of their deeds, but they ought to try to be regardful of goodness of deeds.

The beauty of flowers and the nature itself is perishable, but a good deed is fixed and remaining. These different bounties, these ranks and social positions, and the like of them, are not perpetual either.

There will come a day when there will remain but a dry and silent graveyard from these societies. This fact is a great instructive lesson.

The verse says:

“And (at the end) We will surely make whatever is on it (as) barren ground.”